A spinneret housing for use in the manufacture of polymer fibers, and method of use thereof.

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a spinneret housing for use in the production of polymer fibers, such as large tow polymer fibers, typically used in the manufacture of carbon fiber. The present disclosure also relates to a system comprising the spinneret housing and a process for producing polymer fibers using such a system. The polymer fibers produced are useful for the manufacture of carbon fiber, which finds application as structural components in composite materials relevant to many areas, such as the aerospace, marine, and automotive industries, among others.

1 . A spinneret housing having a body adapted to secure a spinneret or spinneret assembly, the body comprising:
 a flanged cylindrical wall extending from the body, wherein the flange is projected radially inward at the distal portion of the said wall,   a cylindrical tube surrounding the body, wherein the said tube is coaxial to the flanged cylindrical wall and has a diameter larger than the flanged cylindrical wall, and   a cowl extending from the cylindrical tube surrounding the body, wherein the cowl extends past the distal end of the flanged cylindrical wall.   
     
     
         2 . The spinneret housing according to  claim 1 , wherein the cowl has a cylindrical shape, a frustoconical shape, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The spinneret housing according to  claim 1 , wherein the cowl has a frustoconical shape. 
     
     
         4 . The spinneret housing according to  claim 3 , wherein the frustoconical shape is symmetrical or asymmetrical. 
     
     
         5 . The spinneret housing according to  claim 1 , wherein the length of the cowl, measured from the face of the flanged cylindrical wall to the distal opening is 10 to 100 mm. 
     
     
         6 . The spinneret housing according to  claim 1 , wherein the diameter of the distal opening of the cowl is 100 to 200. 
     
     
         7 . The spinneret housing according to  claim 1 , wherein the spinneret housing is a combination of two or more parts removably secured together. 
     
     
         8 . The spinneret housing according to  claim 1 , wherein the cowl is detachable. 
     
     
         9 . A system for producing polymer fibers, the system comprising:
 a) the spinneret housing according to  claim 1 ,   b) a polymer dope supply line,   c) a spinneret or spinneret assembly, and   d) a coagulation bath comprising coagulation liquid.   
     
     
         10 . The system according to  claim 9 , wherein the spinneret or spinneret assembly is removably secured in the spinneret housing. 
     
     
         11 . The system according to  claim 9 , wherein the polymer dope supply line is connected to the inlet of the spinneret. 
     
     
         12 . A process for the production of polymer fibers, the process comprising:
 a′) providing the system according to  claim 1 , and   b′) spinning a polymer dope, which is supplied through the polymer dope supply line to the spinneret or spinneret assembly, into the coagulation bath.   
     
     
         13 . The process according to  claim 12 , wherein the variability in filament diameter and/or circularity is reduced by 5 to 50% compared to the variability in filament diameter and/or circularity obtained in a process in which the spinneret housing is absent. 
     
     
         14 - 22 . (canceled)